Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (29th June, 2026)

National News

Bharat Taxi Launched in Gujarat: Amit Shah Unveils Cooperative Ride Platform

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched Bharat Taxi in Gujarat on 27 June 2026.
• The platform is based on the cooperative model under the vision of “Sahakar Se Samriddhi.”
• Unlike private aggregators, drivers called Sarathis become shareholders.
• Sarathis receive better earnings, insurance, loans, and welfare benefits.
• Bharat Taxi offers services for two-wheelers, auto-rickshaws, and four-wheel taxis.
• More than 7 lakh Sarathis and 37 lakh customers have already joined the platform.
• It was launched at the Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre in Gandhinagar.
• The service will expand to 7 major cities by July 2026.
• The platform aims to operate in 500+ cities across India within two years.
• Key Fact: Bharat Taxi is India’s first cooperative-based ride-hailing platform where drivers become shareholders instead of commission-based partners.

PM Narendra Modi Conferred Seychelles’ ‘Guardian of the Blue Horizon’ Presidential Distinction

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Seychelles’ highest civilian honour on 28 June 2026.
• The award was presented by Seychelles President Dr. Patrick Herminie.
• PM Modi became the first-ever recipient of this prestigious distinction.
• The award recognizes global leadership in climate action and environmental conservation.
• It also honours contributions to sustainable ocean governance and the Blue Economy.
• India’s initiatives like Mission LiFE, ISA, and Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam were highlighted.
• The honour supports cooperation with Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
• It was presented during the 50th anniversary of India–Seychelles diplomatic relations.
• The award strengthens bilateral cooperation in maritime security and climate resilience.
• Key Fact: Narendra Modi is the first recipient of Seychelles’ ‘Guardian of the Blue Horizon’ Presidential Distinction.

PM Narendra Modi Meets Jonathan, the World’s Oldest Living Land Animal, During Seychelles Visit

• PM Narendra Modi visited the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens.
• During the visit, he met Jonathan, the world’s oldest living land animal.
• Jonathan is a Seychelles giant tortoise.
• He was born around 1832, making him nearly 194 years old.
• Guinness World Records recognizes Jonathan for his extraordinary lifespan.
• Jonathan currently lives on Saint Helena, a British Overseas Territory.
• The tortoise has witnessed nearly two centuries of world history.
• PM Modi also planted a tree at the botanical gardens.
• The visit highlighted biodiversity conservation and climate awareness.
• Key Fact: Jonathan is officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest living land animal.

PM Family Care Tracker Launched in Gujarat: Features, Objectives, Health Passport and Why It Matters

• Gujarat launched the PM Family Care Tracker (PM-FCT) and Health Passport on 28 June 2026.
• It is a pilot digital platform for maternal and child welfare.
• The system tracks beneficiaries from pregnancy until 16–18 years of age.
• It integrates health, education, nutrition, birth registration, and welfare databases.
• Officials receive alerts for missed vaccinations and school dropouts.
• The platform ensures timely delivery of government welfare schemes.
• Multiple departments are connected through a unified digital system.
• It supports Viksit Gujarat @2047 and Viksit Bharat @2047.
• The initiative strengthens digital governance and public service delivery.
• Key Fact: PM-FCT follows a life-cycle approach by digitally tracking children from pregnancy to adulthood.

Anaemia Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan Guidelines 2026 Released: Key Features, 7x7x7 Strategy and Significance Explained

• The Union Health Ministry released revised Anaemia Mukt Bharat guidelines on 29 June 2026.
• The programme introduces the new 7x7x7 Strategy.
• It covers 7 beneficiary groups, 7 interventions, and 7 institutional mechanisms.
• Low birth weight infants have been added as a new beneficiary group.
• The programme shifts from the T3 model to T4 (Test, Treat, Talk, Track).
• “Eating Right” has been included to promote iron-rich diets.
• Digital integration has been strengthened through JANANI, RBSK, and U-WIN.
• The guidelines focus on prevention, treatment, nutrition, and monitoring.
• The initiative aims to reduce anaemia among women, children, and adolescents.
• Key Fact: The biggest update in the 2026 guidelines is the introduction of the 7×7×7 Strategy and the T4 model.

e-Sushrut@Clinic Launched: Features, Benefits, Cost, and Significance of India’s New Digital Health System

• The Union Health Ministry launched e-Sushrut@Clinic on 29 June 2026.
• It is a cloud-based Hospital Management Information System (HMIS).
• The platform was developed by C-DAC.
• It is designed for small clinics, PHCs, Health & Wellness Centres, and sub-centres.
• The system digitises patient registration, billing, and medical records.
• It also provides speech-to-text documentation and clinical decision support.
• The National Health Authority supports implementation through an MoU with C-DAC.
• The platform integrates with the Health Professional Registry (HPR) and Health Facility Registry (HFR).
• More than 800 healthcare facilities have already adopted the system.
• Key Fact: e-Sushrut@Clinic is an affordable cloud-based HMIS developed by C-DAC to accelerate digital healthcare across India.

State News

West Bengal Uniform Civil Code Bill: Key Features, Constitutional Basis and Significance

• The West Bengal Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill is expected to be introduced during the State Assembly Budget Session on 29 June 2026.
• The proposed law seeks to establish a common civil code for all citizens irrespective of religion.
• It is based on Article 44 of the Directive Principles of State Policy.
• The Bill covers matters related to marriage, divorce, adoption, guardianship, succession, and inheritance.
• It proposes equal inheritance rights for all citizens.
• The draft includes a ban on polygamy and declares child marriages invalid.
• It also proposes mandatory registration of live-in relationships.
• Supporters believe the Bill promotes gender justice, legal equality, and simplified civil laws.
• Critics argue that broad consultation is necessary to protect religious freedom, cultural diversity, and federal principles.
• Key Fact: Article 44 of the Indian Constitution directs the State to work towards implementing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC).

International News

India and Seychelles Unveil 19 Major Initiatives to Strengthen Maritime Security, Defence and Strategic Partnership

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Seychelles from 27–29 June 2026.
• India and Seychelles signed 19 agreements across multiple sectors.
• The initiatives cover maritime security, defence, healthcare, education, agriculture, digital payments, infrastructure, and space cooperation.
• India gifted an indigenously built Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) to Seychelles.
• Assistance also included 10 utility vehicles, Laser Radial sailing boats, a refitted PS Zoroaster, and an upgraded Dornier aircraft.
• Both countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in UPI-based digital payments and healthcare infrastructure.
• India reaffirmed its MAHASAGAR vision for a secure and prosperous Indian Ocean Region.
• Humanitarian assistance included 500 tonnes of rice and 8,500 tonnes of cement.
• The agreements further strengthened strategic, economic, and maritime ties between the two nations.
• Key Fact: India and Seychelles signed 19 agreements, making it one of the largest bilateral cooperation packages between the two countries.

Israel-Lebanon Trilateral Framework Explained: Key Takeaways, Reactions and Why the Deal Matters

• The United States, Israel, and Lebanon signed a Trilateral Framework Agreement on 26 June 2026.
• The agreement aims to reduce border tensions and restore long-term regional stability.
• It follows months of conflict involving Israel and Hezbollah, which caused heavy casualties and displacement.
• The framework proposes a phased redeployment of Israeli forces.
• The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) will gradually assume greater control over border areas.
• The agreement also calls for the verified disarmament of Hezbollah and other non-state armed groups.
• It establishes pilot security zones and a US-backed coordination mechanism.
• The United States announced $100 million in humanitarian assistance for Lebanon.
• While Lebanon welcomed the agreement, Hezbollah rejected it, and Israel linked troop withdrawal to Hezbollah’s disarmament.
• Key Fact: The agreement is a US-mediated trilateral framework aimed at reducing conflict and restoring stability along the Israel–Lebanon border.

Teesta Project Explained: Why It Matters to India, Bangladesh and Regional Geopolitics

• The Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project is a major infrastructure project in Bangladesh.
• It focuses on river dredging, embankment construction, land reclamation, and road development.
• The project aims to improve water management, flood control, irrigation, and regional connectivity.
• Planned works include dredging 140 million cubic metres of sediment.
• It also proposes construction and repair of over 230 km of embankments.
• The project gained attention after discussions between Bangladesh and China during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to Beijing.
• China has offered technical assistance and clarified that the project is not directed against any third country.
• The Teesta River flows through Sikkim, West Bengal, and Bangladesh, making it strategically significant.
• The initiative has implications for India-Bangladesh water sharing, regional connectivity, and geopolitical cooperation.
• Key Fact: The Teesta River is a major transboundary river shared by India and Bangladesh, making its management strategically important for both countries.

Banking News

Kotak Mahindra Bank MD & CEO Ashok Vaswani to Step Down at the End of 2026

• Kotak Mahindra Bank announced that Ashok Vaswani will step down as MD & CEO on 31 December 2026.
• He will complete his planned three-year tenure.
• Vaswani informed the Board that he would not seek reappointment due to personal reasons.
• The bank has initiated the process to appoint a new CEO.
• The appointment will require approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• Vaswani joined Kotak Mahindra Bank on 1 January 2024.
• He succeeded the bank’s founder Uday Kotak.
• During his tenure, he focused on digital transformation and business growth.
• The bank stated that leadership transition will ensure continuity of its long-term strategy.
• Key Fact: Ashok Vaswani will complete his tenure as Kotak Mahindra Bank’s MD & CEO on 31 December 2026.

Business News

OpenAI Appoints Prabhjeet Singh as Managing Director for India, Strengthening Its AI Expansion Strategy

• OpenAI has appointed Prabhjeet Singh as its Managing Director for India.
• He will join the company in September 2026.
• Prabhjeet Singh previously served as President of Uber India and South Asia.
• He will report to Kiran Mani, Managing Director for the Asia Pacific region.
• Singh will lead OpenAI’s strategy, operations, partnerships, and business expansion in India.
• His appointment reflects India’s growing importance in the global AI ecosystem.
• India offers a large digital user base and rapidly expanding AI adoption.
• The country’s startup ecosystem and government support make it a key AI market.
• OpenAI aims to accelerate responsible AI innovation and enterprise adoption across India.
• Key Fact: Former Uber India President Prabhjeet Singh has been appointed as OpenAI’s first Managing Director for India.

Defence News

ICGS Akshay Commissioned into Bharatiya Tatrakshak Fleet

• India commissioned ICGS Akshay, a new-generation Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV), into the Bharatiya Tatrakshak (Indian Coast Guard) fleet on 27 June 2026.
• The vessel was commissioned at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), Goa.
• It has been built under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative to strengthen indigenous defence manufacturing.
• ICGS Akshay is designed for coastal surveillance, maritime law enforcement, search and rescue operations.
• It will also help combat smuggling, piracy, illegal fishing, and other maritime crimes.
• The vessel is equipped to undertake pollution response, environmental protection, and disaster relief missions.
• Named after the Sanskrit word “Akshay”, meaning Indestructible, it symbolizes strength and resilience.
• The ship will enhance surveillance along India’s 7,500-km coastline and safeguard the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
• The induction strengthens India’s maritime security and rapid response capability in coastal waters.
• Key Fact: ICGS Akshay is an indigenously built Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) commissioned under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Indian Army to Raise First Integrated Battle Groups: Structure, Role and Strategic Significance Explained

• The Indian Army will operationalise its first Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) on 1 July 2026.
• The new formations will be raised under the Panagarh-based XVII Corps (Mountain Strike Corps).
• Each IBG is a brigade-sized, self-sufficient combat formation with more than 5,000 troops.
• The groups integrate infantry, artillery, armour, engineers, logistics, signals, air defence, and medical units.
• IBGs are designed for rapid deployment within 48 hours during emergencies.
• The reform aims to improve operational flexibility and battlefield coordination.
• The concept was proposed by General Bipin Rawat, India’s first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).
• Initial implementation includes four IBGs and one Fire Support Group under the XVII Corps.
• The initiative will strengthen India’s preparedness for multi-domain warfare, particularly along the India-China border.
• Key Fact: Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) are self-contained combat formations capable of mobilising within 48 hours.

Science & Technology News

ISRO Successfully Conducts 175-Tonne Semicryogenic Engine Hot Test, Strengthening India’s Future Space Missions

• ISRO successfully conducted the eighth hot test of the Semi-Cryogenic Engine Power Head Test Article (PHTA).
• The test was carried out on 24 June 2026 at the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu.
• The engine achieved 175 tonnes of thrust, nearly 88% of its targeted 200-tonne capacity.
• The test validated the performance of pre-burners, turbopumps, valves, and propellant feed systems.
• The engine uses Liquid Oxygen (LOX) as the oxidiser and Isrosene (refined kerosene) as fuel.
• It is being developed for the SC120 stage of the LVM3 launch vehicle.
• The new engine will significantly enhance payload capacity and fuel efficiency.
• It will support future missions such as Gaganyaan, Chandrayaan, and commercial satellite launches.
• The achievement marks another milestone in India’s indigenous space propulsion technology.
• Key Fact: The SE2000 Semi-Cryogenic Engine is designed to generate 200 tonnes of thrust, with the latest test successfully achieving 175 tonnes.

What is Brachybacterium netajii?

• Brachybacterium netajii is a newly discovered bacterial species identified in the Hooghly River, West Bengal.
• It was discovered by researchers from Netaji Mahavidyalaya, the University of Burdwan, IIT (BHU), and Hiroshima University.
• The bacterium belongs to the Actinobacteria phylum.
• It has the ability to degrade p-nitrophenol (PNP), a toxic chemical found in dyes and pesticides.
• This makes it highly useful for bioremediation and pollution control.
• The species shows strong resistance to heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury.
• It can also survive in high-salinity environments, making it suitable for polluted coastal ecosystems.
• Researchers identified the species through polyphasic taxonomic characterization.
• The bacterium was named in honour of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
• Key Fact: Brachybacterium netajii has significant bioremediation potential because it can degrade toxic pollutants and tolerate multiple heavy metals.

Sports News

Ben Stokes Announces Retirement from International Cricket, to End England Career After Trent Bridge Test

• England captain Ben Stokes has announced his retirement from international cricket.
• He will retire after the third Rothesay Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.
• Stokes made his international debut in 2011 and Test debut during the 2013 Ashes.
• He will also step down as England Men’s Test captain, a position he has held since April 2022.
• Under his leadership, England adopted the aggressive ‘Bazball’ style alongside coach Brendon McCullum.
• He played a match-winning knock of 84 runs in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup Final.
• Stokes also scored an unforgettable 135 at Headingley* during the 2019 Ashes.
• His highest Test score is 258 against South Africa at Cape Town in 2016.
• The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) praised his outstanding leadership and contribution to English cricket.
• Key Fact: Ben Stokes retires as one of England’s greatest all-rounders, remembered for his heroic performances in the 2019 World Cup Final and
• Headingley Ashes Test.

Who Is Ancy Sojan? Kerala Long Jumper Who Broke Anju Bobby George’s 22-Year-Old National Record

• Ancy Sojan created history at the 2026 National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships.
• The championship was held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
• She recorded a jump of 6.88 metres in the women’s long jump event.
• The mark broke Anju Bobby George’s national record of 6.83 metres, set in 2004.
• Ancy represents Kerala in national competitions.
• She also serves as a Chief Petty Officer in the Indian Navy.
• The record-breaking jump came on her fifth attempt during the final.
• She won the gold medal and qualified for the 2026 Asian Games.
• Ancy has also won medals at the Asian Games, Asian Athletics Championships, and Asian Indoor Championships.
• Key Fact: Ancy Sojan became the new Indian national record holder in women’s long jump with a leap of 6.88 metres.

Indonesia Wins Maiden AVC Men’s Volleyball Cup 2026 Title as India Secures Historic Bronze

• Indonesia won its first-ever AVC Men’s Volleyball Cup title in 2026.
• The tournament was hosted in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
• Indonesia defeated Korea 3-0 in the final.
• The team had earlier lost to Korea during the group stage.
• Indonesia reached the final after defeating Qatar, Thailand, Oman, and India.
• Boy Arnez Arabi scored 17 points in the final.
• He was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP).
• India defeated defending champions Bahrain to win its first-ever AVC Cup bronze medal.
• Indonesia also improved its position in the FIVB World Rankings from 52nd to 43rd.
• Key Fact: Indonesia won its first AVC Men’s Volleyball Cup title, while India secured its maiden bronze medal in the tournament.

George Russell Wins Thrilling Austrian Grand Prix 2026 as Mercedes Revives Formula 1 Title Challenge

• George Russell won the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring, Spielberg.
• The Mercedes driver converted his pole position into a race victory.
• It was his seventh Formula One career win.
• Max Verstappen finished second after an impressive recovery drive.
• Championship leader Kimi Antonelli secured third place.
• Antonelli extended his Drivers’ Championship lead to 40 points.
• The race featured a Virtual Safety Car following Carlos Sainz’s retirement.
• Several drivers retired because of technical failures.
• Russell’s victory boosted Mercedes’ challenge in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships.
• Key Fact: George Russell’s victory moved him to second place in the 2026 Formula One Drivers’ Championship standings.

Important Days News

Statistics Day 2026: Theme, History, Significance, and Why Administrative Data Matters

• Statistics Day is observed every year in India on 29 June.
• The day commemorates the birth anniversary of Prof. Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis.
• Mahalanobis is widely regarded as the Father of Modern Indian Statistics.
• The 2026 theme is “Unlocking the Potential of Administrative Data.”
• The event is organized by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
• The National Statistical Office (NSO) also plays a key role in the celebrations.
• The theme highlights the importance of government-generated data for policymaking and governance.
• Reports related to SDGs, labour statistics, and data harmonisation were released during the event.
• The Sukhatme National Award in Statistics was presented to recognize excellence in the field.
• Key Fact: Statistics Day has been celebrated every year since 2007 to honour Prof. P.C. Mahalanobis and promote evidence-based policymaking.